This tutorial will show you how to open and close the Edge bar from Microsoft Edge for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The desktop Edge Bar has been replace by the desktop Search Bar.

Open and Close Microsoft Edge Desktop Search Bar in Windows 11
This tutorial will show you how to open and close the Microsoft Edge desktop search bar for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. The desktop search bar powered by Microsoft Edge allows you to search the web and launch your favorite sites directly from your desktop without having to open...

The Microsoft Edge web browser is based on Chromium and was released on January 15, 2020. It is compatible with all supported versions of Windows, and macOS. With speed, performance, best in class compatibility for websites and extensions, and built-in privacy and security features.
The Edge bar (formally named "Web widget") is a feature of Microsoft Edge that lets you search and browse the web, see news headlines, check the weather, and more without opening a full browser window.
You can switch between a vertical or search only layout for the Edge bar. Then move and resize the Edge bar as you desire.
You can quickly adjust the content you see in Edge bar by clicking on the tab (icon) for your desired topic. By default, Edge bar includes tabs for your feed from MSN, Microsoft Bing, Outlook, and LinkedIn. You can add your own tabs on the side of the Edge bar that open the URL you want.
If you open the Edge bar, it will remain open even if you close Microsoft Edge.
Contents
- Option One: Open Edge Bar from Microsoft Edge More Tools Menu
- Option Two: Open Edge Bar from Microsoft Edge Settings
- Option Three: Open Edge Bar using Keyboard Shortcut
- Option Four: Open Edge Bar from Microsoft Edge Notification Icon on Taskbar
- Option Five: Open Edge Bar from Floating Button
- Option Six: Close Edge Bar from Edge bar
- Option Seven: Close Edge Bar from Microsoft Edge Notification Icon on Taskbar
- Option Eight: Close Edge Bar from Floating Button
EXAMPLE: Edge bar in vertical layout and search only layout
1 Open Microsoft Edge.
2 Click/tap on the Settings and more (Alt+F) 3 dots button. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on More tools.
4 Click/tap on Launch Edge bar.
1 Open Microsoft Edge.
2 Click/tap on the Settings and more (Alt+F) 3 dots button, and click/tap on Settings. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on Edge bar in the left pane, and click/tap on Open Edge bar. (see screenshot below)
This option is only available if the Edge bar has already been opened using Option One or Option Two.
1 Press the Win + Shift + F keys.
This option is only available if the Edge bar has already been opened using Option One or Option Two.
1 Click/tap on the Microsoft Edge notification icon on the taskbar corner. (see screenshot below)
2 Click/tap on Open Edge bar.
This option is only available if the Edge bar has already been opened using Option One or Option Two.
The floating button is only seen when the Edge bar has either been minimized or completely covered by another window.
1 Click/tap on the Edge bar floating button on your screen. (see screenshot below)
1 Perform one of the following actions: (see screenshots below)
- Click/tap on the Close (X) button.
- Click/tap on the Settings and more (3 dots) button, and click/tap on Close.
1 Click/tap on the Microsoft Edge notification icon on the taskbar corner. (see screenshot below)
2 Click/tap on Quit.
The floating button is only seen when the Edge bar has either been minimized or completely covered by another window.
1 Right click on the Edge bar floating button on your screen. (see screenshot below)
2 Click/tap on Close Edge bar.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited: